Peter Dada, Akure

An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure on Thursday sentenced seven persons to death for the killing of a businessman, Banji Adafin.

Adafin, who was based in the United States of America, was reportedly killed while on holiday in Akure, Ondo State, on July 4, 2017, on Temidire Street.

It was reported that apart from killing the businessman, the accused stole valuable items.

Some of the items stolen were an iPad, mobile phones, television sets, laptops, and an undisclosed amount of money.

Those arraigned were Jimoh Sodiq, aka Akamo; Blessing Ogunlade; Yomi Balogun, aka Regal; Akeem Adedayo; Oso John Omoniyi, aka Bosco; Sodiq Babatunde; and Damilola Samuel, aka Mama.

The convicts were earlier arraigned on conspiracy to commit armed robbery, contrary to and punishable under Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap. R11, Volume 14, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Seven of the accused were sentenced to death comprising Sodiq, Ogunlade, Balogun, Adedayo, Omoniyi and Babatunde.

The eighth accused, Samuel, who was the girlfriend of one of the convicts, was sentenced to one-year imprisonment.

She was accused of helping other convicts to dispose off the stolen goods and serving as the armourer of the gang.

She was convicted for accessory after the fact.

The offence was said to be contrary to Section 10 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Law of Ondo State of Nigeria.

In his ruling, the judge, Justice Ademola Bola, said, “The convicts are guilty of the offences they are charged with.”

The judge also found them culpable of illegal dealing in arms and ammunition, contrary to Section 9 and punishable under Section 271(1)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap. F26, Law of the Federation.

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